Efficient Red-Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution with an Anthraquinone Organic Dye
Mei Ming, Huiqing Yuan, Shuang Yang, Zuting Wei, Qinqin Lei, Jingxiang Lei, Zhiji Han
Abstract
The direct utilization of the full solar spectrum to obtain renewable fuels remains a challenge because the conversion of the low-energy light (red and near-infrared) is difficult. Current light-driven systems show activity for hydrogen generation with the high-energy part of sunlight. Here we report the use of a simple anthraquinone organic dye in an artificial photosynthetic system that promotes efficient red-light-driven production of hydrogen. The system contains no noble metal and exhibits a turnover number greater than 0.78 million and a quantum yield of 30.6% at 630 nm. A mechanistic study revealed that the excited-state and redox properties of the chromophore are critical to achieving high activity and stability.